Tag Archives: wildlife

Have a Blast at Run of the River in Leavenworth, Updated

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This beautiful, luxurious bed and breakfast has to be one of the few places where once you land, you never want to leave. Run of the River has conquered the science of splendor.

To enjoy the scenery, you can sit on your deck and sip a glass of wine or adjourn to some comfy chairs placed in the grass on the property. Then if you’re patient you’ll spot wildlife. When we visited, we spent a good part of one evening watching a doe and her two fawns drink from the creek below our balcony. What a pleasure and change from the busyness and traffic congestion most of us experience at home.

 

The next morning we discovered at breakfast that other guests had seen a cougar, a bear and a raccoon picking cherries high up in a cherry tree.

The endless chi cha cha and chirping of various birds, the lush greenery and the creek that reflected mirror stillness all make you feel like you’ve landed in nature’s wonderland. Of course, every once in awhile you need sustenance.

That’s what the morning breakfasts provide. Five-course gourmet meals that nobody can ever finish, filled with healthy, local, tasty ingredients. Everything is freshly made in the morning while you’re still lounging in bed, from the blended fruit juices to the quiches. Then if you need an afternoon snack or a dessert after your dinner out at a Leavenworth restaurant, you’ll find something sweet and delicious (and different everyday) in the dining area to take to your room.

Run of the River seems perfect for everyone – from those wanting to get away and relax to honeymooners from all over the globe (we met two from London).

Room amenities include an old-fashioned working typewriter, a rainshower in the bath, bird feeders on every deck, and more. Current specials feature a golfing package, a fishing package, a Canadian resident special and more.

 

Experience Natural Attractions in Colorado Bend State Park

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I’m excited to offer you a glimpse of a wonderful park in Texas, written by one of my travel writer friends there. Colorado Bend State Park is a two-hour drive from Austin.  –Heather

By Beverly Burmeier

www.beverlyburmeier.com

www.goingonadventures.com

www.stripedpot.com

http://tinyurl/bevtrvl

Photo by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Towering rock canyons, more than 350 caves, and two spring-fed creeks make Colorado Bend State Park an absolutely fabulous place to explore.  With 16 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles suitable for mountain biking, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy nature at its best, including beautiful scenery along river trails and at Gorman Falls. I was surprised by the various recreational opportunities available at this central Texas park for birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, and photography.

Located along six miles of Colorado River frontage, Colorado Bend is a large state park, covering 5,328 acres.  Partly because of its size, the intent is to keep it natural and easy to care for, says Park Superintendent Cory Evans.  At present it is one of the lesser developed state parks, although future plans may change that. Primitive tent camping is allowed in 38 numbered sites, and there are two backpack areas where guests can pitch tents.  No electricity is available, which makes it a great getaway from the workaday world.

Photo by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Native pecans, ferns, and cacti are abundant in the park, and beautiful wildflowers sprout up in the spring.  Wildlife includes coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions—although most visitors aren’t likely to encounter these species.  White-tail deer, armadillos, and squirrels are more common. You might also see wild turkeys, endangered golden-cheeked warblers (if you’re lucky), black-capped vireos, red-tailed hawks, and eagles (they nest on the canyon walls).

Several geological features in the park are unique to this region. Spicewood Springs is a popular hiking trail with numerous creek crossings that leads to a refreshing creek where families often picnic and swim.  Adding to the beauty of this spot are the painted rocks, formations colored by minerals seeping through. 

On weekends, staff will take visitors on a two-hour guided tour to spectacular Gorman Falls on the western bank of the Colorado River, approximately 10 miles above Lake Buchanan.  This impressive 90-foot-high waterfall, tumbles over a cliff and mists ferns and other lush vegetation as it descends. Comprised of travertine, the top layers of calcium deposits are extremely fragile, so the area is protected. A deck allows amazing views of the falls and the meandering Colorado River directly behind the viewer.

Photo by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Also available are guided cave tours.  Gorman Cave is the 40th largest cave in the state, and you can explore with staff on weekends or belly-crawl 800 feet into the cave on a self-guided tour. Other than the falls and cave, visitors are free to explore and enjoy the park—on its own primitive terms.

March is the busiest month—with April next–because that’s prime time for white bass fishing and birding (214 species of birds have been identified in the park).  Also flowers are beginning to bloom, and the weather is generally agreeable for camping or hiking. 

Originally an old Indian camp, the site near Gorman Falls is protected for archeological study.  During the 1950s-1970s that area was a fishing camp and RV park.  The state bought the land in 1984, adding more land from the former Lemons Ranch in 1987.  These areas were combined and opened to the public as Colorado Bend State Park in 1988.  Still, only 40,000 visitors per year journey the 18 miles from San Saba, through the tiny town of Bend, and over gravel roads to reach the park. But, it’s definitely worthwhile to discover the natural attractions of this Hill Country jewel.